MORECAMBE'S famous sea front art-deco Midland Hotel is to be the subject of a half hour national radio programme.

The unique building will be in the national spotlight when the BBC's Radio Four series 'Bringing the House Down' devotes its entire 30 minute broadcast to the building which is currently up for sale, and is described as "at risk."

The programme will be aired at 11am on Friday October 27, and will be presented by architectural historian, writer and art history lecturer, Lady Lucinda Lambton. Producer Karen Gregor spent two days in the resort last week preparing the programme, with several of the interviews recorded inside the hotel or on the beach outside. She said "The purpose of the programme is to explore some of our most stunning but neglected buildings and to meet the people behind their fate."

A variety of people connected with the hotel featured in interviews in the programme, including Sue Thompson, Secretary for the hotel and founder of the Friends of the Midland Hotel, John Keen, Lancaster City Council's conservation officer, and Ron Sands, Head of Tourism. All expressed hope that "the future would reflect the integrity of the building as a very outstanding hotel", and Ron Sands suggested that it might find a future specialising in a seafood restaurant. Music was provided for the programme by Lancaster pianist, Stuart Sandham, which helped to evoke memories of the hotel's golden age.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, Chairman of the Tourism Committee, said "The Midland hotel has been voted one of Britain's best loved 20th century buildings and it deserves a secure future. The National publicity generated by this programme could be a turning point in the long drawn out saga of this hotel."